South Sandusky Campground

4.59

849 reviews

7820 Red Oak Lane, Sesser, IL 62884

Family FriendlyGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Illinois RV Camping Illinois Spring Camping Illinois +7 more

Quick Facts

469 ft

Price

$16 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open from March 28 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Rend Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

469 ft

Price

$16 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open from March 28 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Rend Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Sandusky Campground

$16.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates vary by season: Standard Electric sites cost between $18-$26 per night, while Walk-to sites are $16 per night. Additional fees apply...

Standard Site Fee$18.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 849 reviews

272 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousfriendly

"User reviews emphasize the cleanliness, spaciousness, and natural beauty of South Sandusky Campground. Positive themes include well-maintained facilities, abundant recreational options, and proximity to the lake. Negative comments occasionally cite minor issues such as uneven sites, limited trash disposal, and maintenance delays."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7820 Red Oak Lane, Sesser, IL 62884

South Sandusky Campground

7820 Red Oak Lane, Sesser, IL 62884

Driving directionsFrom I-57 take exit 71 and turn west onto Route 14. After 3 miles turn right on Rend City Road, then continue for 6 miles to the campground entrance on the right.

Road access is convenient via paved roads, and the campground is accessible year-round. No mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Sesser (6 miles), Benton (10 miles)

Nearby supplies

Supplies available in Benton, IL, which is approximately 10 miles from the campground. This includes shopping areas and restaurants primarily fast food.

Best Time to Camp at South Sandusky Campground

From the first wildflowers of March through the golden days of early November, South Sandusky comes alive during its extended peak season. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and fishing, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant oranges and reds. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days ideal for water activities, though savvy campers know to pack extra water and seek shade during afternoon heat. Occasional rain showers keep the landscape lush and provide the perfect excuse for cozy evenings in your RV or tent. Winter transforms the campground into a quiet retreat, with crisp air and frost-kissed mornings offering a different kind of beauty for the hardy souls who venture out.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open and active in summer but reviews note heat and crowding at peak times.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in IL

Fall praised for mild weather and strong wildlife activity; highly rated season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in IL

Spring noted for gentle breezes, wildflowers and active wildlife; a top season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Mar; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 28 to November 2. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 28 to November 2 with peak season pricing during this period.

About South Sandusky Campground

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Sandusky Cove, South Sandusky Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with over 100 thoughtfully designed campsites that blend modern comfort with natural beauty. Whether you're pulling in with a fully-equipped RV or pitching a tent under the stars, you'll find everything needed for a memorable stay: reliable electric hookups, refreshing hot showers, clean flush toilets, and fresh drinking water at your fingertips. Families gravitate toward the two well-maintained playgrounds where children's laughter mingles with birdsong, while the volleyball court serves as a gathering spot for friendly competition. The convenient dump station ensures a hassle-free departure, letting you focus on making memories rather than logistics.

South Sandusky Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and primitive walk-to sites.

Weather and SeasonsFrom the first wildflowers of March through the golden days of early November, South Sandusky comes alive during its extended peak season. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and fishing, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant oranges and reds. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days ideal for water activities, though savvy campers know to pack extra water and seek shade during afternoon heat. Occasional rain showers keep the landscape lush and provide the perfect excuse for cozy evenings in your RV or tent. Winter transforms the campground into a quiet retreat, with crisp air and frost-kissed mornings offering a different kind of beauty for the hardy souls who venture out.

Natural Features and ScenerySouth Sandusky Campground serves as your gateway to the stunning natural tapestry of Rend Lake, where dense forests meet open fields in a harmonious blend of ecosystems. Morning mist often dances across the water's surface as the sun rises, creating photo-worthy moments from your campsite. The diverse landscape supports an impressive array of wildlife that changes with the seasons: white-tailed deer emerge at dusk to graze in meadow clearings, wild turkeys strut through the underbrush, and clever foxes occasionally dart between the trees. Raccoons and opossums make their nocturnal rounds, while the lake attracts magnificent waterfowl migrations that transform the cove into a birdwatcher's paradise during spring and fall passages.

Geological RegionDeep in the heart of Southern Illinois, South Sandusky Campground claims prime real estate along Sandusky Cove, one of the most scenic fingers of the sprawling 20,633-acre Rend Lake. This magnificent reservoir, carved into the Illinois landscape, creates a water wonderland surrounded by a patchwork of verdant forests and rolling fields. The region's unique position at the crossroads of prairie and woodland ecosystems has shaped a diverse environment where midwestern charm meets southern hospitality, all centered around one of the state's most beloved recreational lakes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in times provided.

Check-out

No specific check-out times provided.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One camper and up to three tents or four tents per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are spaced nicely apart, with loops such as Pine Tree and Red Bud offering specific amenities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov, via the Recreation.gov app, or through the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available, but limited.

Cancellation PolicyChanges cost $10 per reserved site, and cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of reservation fees. Late cancellations (after 12:00 AM facility time one day before check-in) result in loss of first night's fees.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, drinking water, flush toilets, grills, parking, showers, and walkways are available. However, one review noted issues with mud at a designated handicap site due to inadequate construction measures.

Site SizeThe campsites are generally large and spacious, with some variability depending on the site or loop.

PrivacySite privacy varies; many sites offer adequate separation, but some loops have closer spacing. Several reviews highlight spacious setups with partial or full shade.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Pine Tree Loop for proximity to playgrounds. Avoid Dogwood 120 due to uneven terrain and sewer hookup issues.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

South Sandusky provides numerous recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Many activities are closely tied to the natural features of Rend Lake and its surrounding forested areas. Seasonal changes enhance the variety of activities available.

HikingHiking trails are available and connect to other campgrounds within the Rend Lake area. Trails are generally paved and offer scenic views of the lake and forest.

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant in Rend Lake, with several accessible areas directly from the campground. Fish cleaning stations are not available, but campers are permitted to clean fish at campsites.

SwimmingTwo swimming beaches are within the Rend Lake Recreation Area, including South Sandusky Beach. Swimming facilities are highly praised by visitors.

BikingThe campground features a paved bike path that stretches approximately 20 miles. User reviews highlight it as one of their favorite features, suitable for both casual and experienced cyclists.

BoatingBoating activities are popular on Rend Lake, with options for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. Docking facilities are not mentioned for South Sandusky specifically.

Wildlife viewingDeer, turkey, owls, raccoons, squirrels, and various bird species are often seen in the campground area. Wildlife viewing is enhanced by quiet surroundings and forested landscapes.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards stated, but users recommend being prepared for leveling issues at certain sites.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed with locally sourced firewood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Quiet during weekday evenings. No stated policies for quiet hours.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services likely include Rend Lake Project Office at 11981 Rend City Road, Benton, IL 62812 and hospitals in Benton, IL.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal requires walking or driving to a central dumpster, described as inconvenient in some reviews. Recycling information is not mentioned.

Water FeaturesClose to Rend Lake and South Sandusky Beach.

Camp HostHosts are noted for being friendly and accommodating.

Weather at South Sandusky Campground

Reviews

4.6

849 reviews

Top-Rated

South Sandusky Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the cleanliness, spaciousness, and natural beauty of South Sandusky Campground. Positive themes include well-maintained facilities, abundant recreational options, and proximity to the lake. Negative comments occasionally cite minor issues such as uneven sites, limited trash disposal, and maintenance delays.

Review Summaries

Based on 849 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews consistently praise the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and family-friendly atmosphere. Wildlife sightings and access to paved biking trails are frequently highlighted. Many users...

Based on 849 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include uneven terrain at specific sites, humidity and heat in shower facilities, and limited trash disposal options. Some reviews also mention tall grass and lack of site-specific...

Based on 849 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites with lake views for added scenery and privacy. Pin Oak loop is favored for full hookups and proximity to the beach and bike trails. Bringing long tent stakes is...

Based on 849 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are particularly praised for mild weather and wildlife activity. Summer reviews note occasional high temperatures and crowded facilities.

Based on 849 reviews

Camper Quotes

"South Sandusky is geared more toward large campers and RVs, so the facilities are limited, but all sites include water and electricity." – Clayton Lutz "We enjoyed our stay at South Sandusky so much...

Based on 849 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 185 is consistently praised as one of the best sites, offering excellent lake views and spaciousness. Site 120 in the Dogwood loop is criticized for its sloped and crowded setup.

Based on 849 reviews

Accessibility Features

One review noted mud issues at a designated handicap site (Site 160) due to inadequate construction measures. Overall, facilities are generally accessible, with paved pathways and close proximity to...

Based on 849 reviews